The Form 1+ mirror requires special care to maintain functionality. Learn how to safely handle and clean the mirror to keep the Form 1+ printing properly.
Notice:
Please only attempt mirror cleaning with PEC*PAD contaminant free wipes. Formlabs has tested many other types of optical grade wipes and found that using other materials directly on the mirror will damage it. Exercise extreme caution when working on or around the mirror. Contact Formlabs Support if you have any questions.
Required supplies:
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Before you begin cleaning the large mirror, use a flashlight to evaluate condition of the mirror by checking for oil and resin spills. Without the right lighting, some dust or oils on the mirror may be impossible to see. Do not clean unless your mirror is visibly dirty. Always wear nitrile gloves when cleaning your mirror.
Fold a dry PEC*PAD in half twice, so that the cloth is divided into quarters. Starting on the left edge, gently wipe the mirror using a bottom-to-top pass with one edge of the PEC*PAD. Rotate the PEC*PAD to a different edge. After each pass, move right along the width of the mirror, making multiple passes (probably 3-5), from bottom, to top, until the full width of the mirror has been wiped. Rotate the cloth between each pass to ensure a clean surface. Keep this cloth clean and put it aside.
2. Wet rub to remove tough smudges
Fold a new PEC*PAD into quarters and spray IPA along a folded edge of the cloth. Applying some pressure, wipe the mirror from top to bottom. As with the dry pass, move to the right and wipe the mirror with a different wet edge of the PEC*PAD until the full mirror has been wiped.
Notice:
Make sure to use a different edge of the folded PEC*PAD each time so as to not spread residue to other parts of the mirror. It may be helpful to use a completely new PEC*PAD altogether.
3. Wet wipe for 20 seconds
Using a new wet PEC*PAD, start at the bottom corner of the mirror and slowly drag the cloth from bottom to top with soft pressure. The bottom to top pass should take approximately 20–30 seconds. This will reduce streaks by allowing the IPA time to absorb back into the cloth rather than sit on the mirror.
Repeat this process with a new cloth edge for the width of the mirror. Some streaks may remain.
4. Circular wipe to remove streaks
Using an unused portion of the first dry PEC*PAD, wipe any streaks remaining on the mirror using small circular motions and light pressure.
5. Inspect the mirror
After finishing this cleaning process, use a flashlight or pen light once again to check for any remaining residue on the mirror.
TIP:
You may leave streaks or smudges as you wipe the mirror. It is normal for cleaning to require multiple passes. You should repeat the cleaning process until the mirror is free of oils.
If you are still experiencing printing problems, contact Formlabs Support for additional instructions.
